hom e EIGHTY CLUB THE NEWSLETTER OF THE EIGHTY CLUB MELBOURNE, INC 4TH QUARTER OCT-DEC 2009 P O BOX 2645, ROWVILLE, VIC 3178 NEWSLETTER NO. 115 President De Kretser. Rodney (9848 4623) Senior Vice President Collette. Trevor (9706 1084) Jnr.Vice President Ferdinand. Earle (9512 7265) Secretary De Kretser. Marie (9848 4623) Treasurer Scarnivel. Tony (9763 0085) Asst. Treasurer & Public Officer Robertson, George (9782 4789) Membership Secretary Isaaks, June (9562 3612) Committee of Management Chapman. Betty (94810819) De Kretser, Ivor (98025174) Forster. Pamela (98418749) Harris. Dimitri (98780457) Isaaks. Darryl (95623612) Jacotine. Errol (98491551) Werkmeister. Noel (97988170) Young. Annesley (95483920) Fund Raising Committee Amit. Jill (97061084) Chapman. Betty Collette. Trevor De Kretser. Ivor/Pat De Kretser. Rodney/Marie De Vos. Geo/Yvonne (97950009) Ferdinand. Earle/Shireen Ferdinands. Audrey (98895725) Forster Pamela Harris. Dimitri Hatch. Conraad/Rita (97617717) Herft. Clair/Lucia (95610129) Isaaks June/Darryl Jacotine. Errol/Violet Martenstyn. Leonie (98731879) Muller. Laraine (97994662) Robertson. George/Beryl Scarnivel. Tony/Arlene Werkmeister. Noel/Yvonne Young. Rita (95572364) Young Annesley/Jennifer EDITOR DARRYL ISAAKS EMAIL darjun@optusnet.com.au CLUB WEBSITE www.eightyclubmelbourne.org.au THE PRESIDENT AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE EIGHTY CLUB MELBOURNE, INC WISH ALL MEMBERS, BENEFACTORS AND FRIENDS A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED 2010. Caring for the Less Fortunate
Christmas Message from Rodney de Kretser As this is the time of the year commonly known as The Season of Giving, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all you wonderful members and friends who have given so generously throughout the year to help your Club achieve its objectives of providing for our Less Fortunate brethren in Sri Lanka. By the time this newsletter arrives at your home we would have remitted to all 200 Welfare Beneficiaries their quarterly allowance and the Christmas Bonus of Rs 2500. There is no doubt that this will bring much Joy and Happiness to them this Christmas. The annual Christmas parties for the Welfare Beneficiaries and Sponsored children would also have taken place and I am sure that all involved would have had a wonderful time, thanks to the great work of the DBU Welfare Committee and staff. A big thank you to Anthea Muller for all her very hard work. Thanks also to all our Management and Fund Raising committee members for their valiant efforts throughout the last 12 months. According to Scripture It is more Blessed to Give than to Receive and to all our members and friends who so generously support our cause I say, May the Good Lord Bless each and every one of you. A very special thank you from me personally to all those who made such generous donations towards the purchasing of gifts for the sponsored children s Christmas party. Your kindness has ensured that every child will receive a Christmas present, which will no doubt bring some happiness and no doubt a smile to their faces. I hope I can count on your continued generosity next year. On behalf of the Committee, Marie and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
.HOW YOUR MONEY IS SPENT If any well-meaning benefactor wishes to send the DBU, boxes of clothes, toys etc for distribution among our welfare beneficiaries and/or children, they should pay a little extra to the carriers to ensure that the boxes are delivered to the DBU premises with duty pre-paid at this end. This is possible. Otherwise, boxes have to be collected from warehouses as far away as in Wattala by ONLY the person whose name appears on the Bill of Lading. If that happens to be Anthea Muller, it puts her in all sorts of inconvenience and difficulty. Please keep this in mind. Better still, anyone intending to send such a gift box should ring Rodney de Kretser on 9848 4623 and he will gladly give details of how gift boxes should be sent. EMERGENCY FUND The following payments have been made from the Emergency Fund: 10/7/09 - Mr Anton Bailey Rs.2000. Has undergone a by-pass operation and is in ICU. Needed funds for medication and cash was paid to wife. 20/7/09 Mr Ricardo Johnson - Rs.3000. Came to the DBU with great difficulty as he had fallen into a lighted dirt heap and suffered burns on his foot. 8/8/09 - Ms. Frances Sheriff - Rs.2000. Needed to pay for a pair of lenses. 20/8/09 Mrs. S. Ludowyck - Rs.1000. Needed money for some medication. 21/8/09 - Miss Lorna Van Rooyen - Rs.2530. Needed money for blood tests. 25/8/09 Mrs Rosebelle de Silva - Rs.1500. Needed money for medication. 31/8/09 Mrs. Maryann Schokman - Rs.1500. Needed medication for high blood pressure etc. 8/9/09 - Mrs Bonita Gomez - Rs.1000. Needed money for medication. 10/9/09- Mrs Jean Dias - Rs.2000. Needed money for food. Unemployed. 7/9/09 - Mrs Lynette Hebber - Rs.2000 Has left Elders Home. Needed money for medication. 19/9/09 Mrs. Wilma Ferdinands - Rs.2000 Fractured two ribs in an accident. Needed medication. 23/9/09 Mrs M Francke - Rs.2000 Met with accident and needed medication. The following have been placed on a waiting list for selection as welfare beneficiaries as and when vacancies occur. Welfare Beneficiaries have no objection to their full names being used in this report and neither has Mrs Anthea Muller, Welfare Chair. Mrs P B Corteling. Aged 73. Widow. Lives with her daughter and husband who is a labourer. Her grand-daughter lives with them as her mother is deceased and her father has abandoned her. The little girl has been sponsored through this Club. The family is extremely poor and the applicant suffers from diabetes and heart problems. Mrs Lynette Marina Hebber. Aged 74. Widow. Lived in a Home for Elders but no longer. Has no family and depends solely on friends. Has diabetes, arthritis and heart problems but no money for medication. Mrs Lilian Bartholomeusz. Married. Lilian is applying for a Benefit for her brother, Frederick, aged 45. He has had mongolism since birth but was looked after by the family who cannot do so any longer as they are getting older. He has been admitted to the Samindu Sevana Elders Home at Jaela but they need financial assistance to pay the fees charged by the Home. ************************ Mrs Aeroma Arlene Silva. Aged 64. Married. Spouse does part time work but applicant does not work as she has stress problems after a nervous breakdown. Rent of Rs.6000 per month is paid by her sister. Has been specially recommended by Mrs Anthea Muller who is aware of her circumstances which are described as desperate. Extremely needy. SELECTED TO RECEIVE A REGULAR WELFARE BENEFIT. As you can see, my good friends, there are many waiting on the sidelines for assistance but we have reached the limit of our resources and can neither increase the number of welfare beneficiaries nor increase the quantum of the benefits being paid. However, there is a ray of hope provided that all members pay their membership fees, if they have not done so already, and try and recruit new members to support our cause. May God bless and keep you, Darryl Isaaks WELFARE COORDINATOR
31 ST JANUARY 31 YELLOW RICE/ROTI LUNCH CONTACTS : PAM & MAURICE FORSTER; ANNESLEY YOUNG; DIMITRI HARRIS MARCH 14 TH buriyani LUNCHEON CONTACTS: LARAINE MULLER: RITA YOUNG: NOEL & YVONNE WERKMEISTER MAY 23 RD STRING HOPPER PILAU LUNCH VIOLET & ERROL JACOTNIE: LEONIE MARTENSTYN: AUDREY FERDINANDS July 4 th zodiac donation MARIE & RODNEY DE KRETSER; TREVOR COLLETTE; JILL AMIT August 29 th STRING HOPPER LUNCH GEORGE & BERYL ROBERTSON; JENNY & ANNESLEY YOUNG OCTOBER 17 TH TO BE DECIDED LARAINE MULLER; PAM FORSTER; RODNEY & MARIE DE KRETSER DECEMBER 10 TH OR 11 TH DINNER/DANCE DANCE (GRAND) ARLENE & TONY SCARNIVEL; SHIREEN & EARLE FERDINAND LUNCHES WILL BE AT THE GOOD SHEPHERD HALL, WHEELERS HILL. HOWEVER, DATES, VENUES AND MENUS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. RESERVATIONS MAY BE MADE WITH THE CONTACTS NAMED ABOVE WHOSE PHONE NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND ON THE FRONT COVER OR WITH ANY OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBER. WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS We extend the hand of friendship and a warm welcome to the following New members: GEOFF & DENISE ANGUS of Mont Albert, Vic. RALPH KEYT of South Caulfield, Vic. BRYAN WICKREMARATNE of Glen Waverley, Vic MAXWELL GERLACH of Pendle Hill, NSW AUBREY & EVA JANSEN of Boronia, Vic PLEASE KEEP THIS DATE FREE JANUARY 31 ST 2010 YELLOW RICE AND ROTI LUNCH AT THE GOOD SHEPHERD HALL AT 12.30 PM ENJOY A FEED OF POL ROTI KOTHU ROTI GODAMBA ROTI - ALSO YELLOW RICE WITH CHICKEN CURRY BEEF CURRY DHAL CURRY KATTA SAMBAL SEENI SAMBAL - FOLLOWED BY A COOL DESSERT. TEA/COFFEE. ALL THIS FOR A DONATION OF $25 PER HEAD ONLY.
birthday greetings SOCIAL NOTES to SPENCER VANDERZEIL on his 85 th birthday, celebrated recently. Spencer is an Eighty Club member and also the popular President of the Ceylonese Welfare Organisation in which capacity he does a wonderful job. May God bless you and grant you many more years of Health, Happiness and Good Fortune, Spencer. (A little bird whispers that Spencer performs very well on the karaoke machine!) LEONIE MARTENSTYN MERVYN SCHOORMAN LARAINE MULLER RITA YOUNG IRVINE BINKY) ABEL TONY SCARNIVEL ARLENE SCARNIVEL EARLE FERDINAND SHANE ISAAKS TEREASE CRAMER SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO DR. ROBIN AND GWEN MISSO. MAY GOD BLESS YOU BOTH AND GRANT YOU MANY MORE YEARS OF WEDDED BLISS. GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO CHOLMONDOLEY AND MELROSE WILLENBERG. WE WISH YOU BOTH THE CHOICEST OF GOD S BLESSINGS A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlour r and pulled himself slowly, painfully, up onto a stool. After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split. The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?' No, No, he replied, Arthritis. Arthritis. Thank you, Lyn Isaaks
STUDENT SPONSORSHIP REPORT DECEMBER 2009. The beginnings ginnings: The sponsorship program was started by Mr Maurice Forster in 1984 and originally operated outside the mantle of the Eighty Club Melbourne Inc (ECM). This program was totally independent; both financially and administratively of the club because of taxation rules relating to charities which precluded payments for educational purposes. When the Commonwealth Government included educational assistance as an acceptable form of charity for tax exemption purposes the Student Sponsorship Program (SSP) became a part of the activities of the ECM. The aims & objectives: The aim of the program has always been to improve the economic standing of the Burgher community in Sri Lanka (SL) which has one of the highest levels of unemployment of all communities in the country. This is achieved by providing financial support for education and the development of employment related skills in the children of Burgher parents. The primary functions of the program are to receive and accept/reject applications from eligible students and then to match accepted students with sponsors who are willing to pay a set rate of sponsorship. The program is meant to provide financial support to students from low to the mid range of economic backgrounds. Current situation tion: Currently, there are two geographically separate chapters of this scheme with one in Batticaloa and the other in Colombo. Batticaloa the student sponsorship scheme in Batticaloa has a total of twenty five (25) students being sponsored. The last quarterly payment amounted to Rs. 125,400. The ECM is assisted in managing this scheme by Ms. Mignonne Barthelot, General Secretary of the Burgher Union of Batticaloa (BUB). Colombo there are a total of one hundred and forty (140) students who receive financial assistance for their schooling.the last quarter s allowance amounted to Rs. 682,900. This scheme is coordinated on behalf of the ECM by Mrs. Anthea Muller, Welfare Coordinator of the Dutch Burgher Union (DBU) in Colombo. Both schemes are financed by generous sponsors in Australia. New Applications Currently, we have 13 applications from students in Sri Lanka and invite inquiries from potential sponsors for these students. Please contact the Student Sponsorship Coordinator if you want further information on the scheme. E-mail tcollette43@optusnet.com.au Telephone 03 97061084 (AH) Trevor Collette Coordinator
in GOD S HANDS FERDINANDS George (passed away in Canada); husband of Pauline (dec); father of Suzanne (dec); Dolores, Paul, Steven and Ann. Brother of Noreen (dec); Maurice (dec) and Eileen Fernando, Melbourne. EKENAIKE - Dagma (nee Thomasz) - aged 79 years passed away on 21/10/09. Wife of the late Harold; mother of Bert and Arlene; Franko and Lorraine; grandmother of 4 and great grandmother of 8. Loved sister of the late Shirl, Frank, Maisie (dec), Michael (UK), Edelma, Norah and Rosabelle (SL). ALONE FOR CHRISTMAS As I sit here, alone with my thoughts, my mind goes back to the year that has been and the travails I have endured in the form of ill-health. Perhaps I feel a little sorry for myself. I have had surgery performed on me several times and am kept alive only by regular haemo-dialysis. However, it occurs to me that the Good Lord, when he gave me these burdens to bear, also gave me the strength to bear them, together with a partner to help carry the load. Yes, my partner of 53 years, June, has been a tower of strength and as I grew weaker, she seemed to grow stronger and was there, beside me, to help me soldier on despite her own health problems. She put up with a great deal. My ill tempers, my impatience, my grumbling but never lost her cool and her radiant smile lit up the room and my very life. She has always been the wind beneath my wings. Having got that off my chest it strikes me, very forcibly, that there are those who are worse off than I am. There are those very close and dear friends who have lost a spouse in the recent past and will spend Christmas alone for the very first time. I try to imagine how somber their thoughts must be. Perhaps they think about what they did together last year at this time. Discussing what gifts to buy the grandkids for Christmas? Helping each other to make a Christmas cake? Deciding what to have for lunch on Christmas day? Suddenly, they find themselves alone and virtually lost. Again I think that if the Good Lord saw fit to take a spouse to His bosom, then he would give the one left behind the will, the wisdom and the strength to accept that loss, albeit with great sadness, and face the future. It is a trite saying that Time Heals but it is a saying that has been proved to be true many times. Other friends and relatives who lost their spouses a few years ago have learned to live with their loss and cope with their sadness. Sincerely, I hope that the immediate family of those who have lost spouses this year will rally round them and not let them face the Festive Season alone. Surrounded by loved ones and being made to feel wanted and an integral part of their family s Christmas celebrations, I am certain that, day by day, they will learn to accept the fact that their partner has merely preceded them to the after-life and that, some day, the two of them will meet again. Since I am neither cleric nor psychologist, these sentiments come from the heart and, in conclusion, my wish for my friends is that the Infant Jesus lifts the shadows that fill their lives and brightens their days with sunshine. Darryl Isaaks
HANDS ACROSS THE SEAS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM ABROAD From Revd: Charles Jansz, President-Elect Christian Reformed (formerly Dutch Reformed) Church of Sri Lanka. Representing the Voluntary Outreach Club (Melbourne) in Sri Lanka.. Dear Friends, I count it a privilege to greet each and every one of you again and wish you a most blessed Christmas as well as God s grace through 2010. I am very much aware of your great sense of dedication through which you have reached out to the less fortunate in Sri Lanka, through many years in partnership with the Dutch Burgher Union. The meaningful assistance rendered to so many individuals and families, who are faced with financial distress, the scholarships afforded to the children in addition to the emergency and medical help rendered, have certainly been a boon to many who have nowhere else to turn. I also know of your intense efforts to raise the necessary funds that have continued to sustain these programmes in Sri Lanka, in spite of the economic challenges faced by all. I trust you are encouraged by the support of so many who contribute in many ways. So in this season when our focus is on Love, Hope Peace and Joy, may I wish you all, all of this and more on behalf of Maxine and myself. And may the Lord continue to bless all your plans for the new year as you extend your helping hands from down under to those who are down and under in more ways than one! With every blessing, Revd: Charles N. Jansz. GREETINGS! Another year is coming to an end, and my priority, ere all the festive celebrations commence with Christmas Cheer, is to say a very special 'Thank You' to the Members of the Committee of the Eighty Club Melbourne to whom we are deeply grateful, as they have spared no pains to raise funds to ease the untold burdens and hardships encountered among our needy brethren. There has been a significant enhancement in the number of Welfare Beneficiaries and children sponsored by your esteemed Organisation during this year, and we who meet them personally and visit their homes are aware of the daunting hardships encountered by most of them who barely have one square meal a day or a comfortable place to rest their weary heads. I have no doubt that all of you who strive tediously to keep their home fires burning and disperse the shadows of their grief and sorrow, will be amply blessed. On behalf not only of the Dutch Burgher Union, but every single Welfare Beneficiary and child you sponsor; my husband, Vernon, and I wish you all a Blessed and Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. God Bless you all ANTHEA MULLER Chairperson - Social Welfare
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION OF CEYLON TO THE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS OF THE EIGHTY CLUB MELBOURNE INC. As President of the Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon (DBU), I am privileged to issue this Message as we look ahead to Christmas. On behalf of the DBU, the General Committee and the entire DBU Membership, it is only appropriate that I start by thanking your wonderful Organisation for the tremendous contribution that the Eighty Club Melbourne Inc. continues to make to assist the underprivileged members of our community in Sri Lanka. While embarking on a new life in a different country, many thousands of miles away from Home, the continuing thoughtfulness and generosity extended by the many Donors in Australia towards the well being of the less fortunate Members of the Community in Sri Lanka, speaks volumes for each and every one of you, both individually and collectively. Galvanising yourselves as you have through the Eighty Club Melbourne Inc. makes a tremendous impact on the many less fortunate who benefit from the ongoing Welfare Programmes facilitated by the DBU. Building on the recent momentum that a resurgent DBU has enjoyed, my Committee and I are making every endeavour to firmly restore the DBU to its focal position within the Burgher community. To bring everyone together as a collective and united body is vital to the sustainability of the culture and social values of our people, while at the same time safeguarding the support mechanism that the Union has been to the less advantaged sections of our community during the past 101 years of the DBU s existence. In addition to the large numbers of Welfare Beneficiaries who are assisted by the Eighty Club Melbourne Inc. the continuing generosity of your Membership will once again be played out more overtly with the forthcoming and traditional St. Nikolaas fete on December 5 th, being arranged for the enjoyment of the children who are assisted by your generosity throughout the year. Once again, the Eighty Club is sponsoring this much awaited Christmas Party which brings joy and a smile to the face of each of these children who, otherwise, have very little to add cheer to their lives. The true Christmas spirit is no better epitomised than by this special gesture on your part. On behalf the DBU, the General Committee and the Membership, I would wish once again to convey our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all you wonderful people of the Eighty Club Melbourne Inc. We wish you all, along with your Families, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2010. Nigel Austin President, DBU.
DONATIONS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED FROM THE FOLLOWING DONORS 23rd September to 30th November 2009 Name Amount Name Amount Cader Ashroff Estelle 20.00 Martinus Priscilla 30.00 Carron Hazel 25.00 Michaux- Armel Robert Suzanne 100.00 Chapman Ben Bianca 70.00 Modder Jan 100.00 Darshan Products - sale at a lunch 770.00 Mortimer Ernie Noeline 50.00 De Jong Patrick 20.00 -Celebrating Tony & Yvonne Elder's 50th Anniversary De Zilwa Denise 10.00 Deckker Joan 100.00 Mortimer Stepahnie 30.00 - In memory of Qunitus Deckker -Celebrating Tony & Yvonne Elder's 50th Anniversary Dickson Rick Betty 70.00 Ferdinands Audrey 25.00 Peter Elise 20.00 Ferdinands Edred Denise 50.00 - In memory of Pamela Brohier Fernando Rance 20.00 Raux Kevin Kathleen 40.00 Foenander Ronald Eileen 20.00 Serendib Financial Service 70.00 Harvie Christopher Sharnez 20.00 Speldewinde Christopher Barbara 100.00 Herft Suzette 20.00 Stewart Glenroy Romayne 70.00 Holsinger Heather 100.00 Teeuwen Cor Tina 20.00 - In memory of Eugenie Holsingher Wright Roger Norreen 20.00 Holsinger Heather 40.00 - In memory of Dear Joan - In memory of Bella Jansz Total of Donations from Anonymous 50.00 Nine Anonymous Donors 380.00 Holsinger Heather 40.00 Anonymous Donation 1000.00 - In memory of Monique Stokes Keegel Anne 100.00 TOTAL DONATIONS $3,970.00 Kobbekaduwe Brian 100.00 Krelstzheim Robin 100.00 Kriekenbeek Tony Nedra 20.00 Lindsay School Past Pupil's Assoc 150.00 Ludowyke Anthony Patricia 20.00 DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF IVOR HOLSINGHER Chapman Betty Chives Meredith Ferdinands Rupert Tamara Hatch Conraad Rita Holsinger Heather Holsinger Aubrey Holsingher Mignonne Kennedy Coreene Phoebus Tamara Phoebus Tony Elaine Scarnivel Tony & Arlene Wambeek Phyllis TOTAL $670.00
BOTTLED BONANZA alias Coin Collections Marie & Rodney de Kretser 22.00 Veronica Stokes in memory of Cecil Fernando 12.00 Anonymous (5) Total 74.75 Rita Hatch 50.10 Andrew Bowen 18.00 *Benjamin(Grandson of Annesley & Jennifer Young) 64.60 Dawn Pears 65.05 From Bottle at Quality Spice Imports (Suzie Harris) 58.00 Denise de Zilwa in memory of Jim de Zylwa 29.60 Jim & Denise de Zilwa 19.40 Pat & Ivor de Kretser 27.25 Irene & Lyn Isaaks 40.00 K. R. Van Twest 15.00 Douglas & Peggy Mack 25.00 TOTAL 520.75 *Eight-year old, Benjamin Muretic, wrote us the following note when he sent us his collection of coins which totalled $64.60. Thank you, Benjamin. "My name is Benjamin, I am Annesley and Jennifer Young's grandson, this is some of my till money for the poor children. I will collect more for you next time. (I will try) Good luck, (Signed) Ben." MAIL RECEIVED Greetings and thank you for the 80 club Newsletter. You have done an excellent job - it is so informative and interesting. I am sure that the membership does appreciate your efforts. Greetings to June too...with every blessing, as always, (Revd) Charlie Jansz. (Sri Lanka) Thank you, Revd. Charlie. From you, this is high praise indeed! Darryl (Editor) LETTER FROM ANTHEA MULLER TO OUR PRESIDENT, RODNEY DE KRETSER The four packages of clothing sent to us were distributed amongst over 200 Welfare Beneficiaries who called at the Dutch Burgher Union on the 31st of October, to collect their quarterly allowance. I would first and foremost like to say a very special 'Thank You" to the generous and kind donor and to say how appreciative and delighted our elderly folk were to receive these unique garments, especially as they would never ever be able to purchase such items of clothing here, as they are very expensive and most certainly beyond their means. It was very touching to see the glow of happiness and smiles on their faces; most probably looking forward to wearing them during the forthcoming festive season. The cost of living here is soaring daily and some of them are barely able to even have one square meal a day. I even heard a few of them say Now, I have something decent and nice to wear for the Welfare Beneficiaries Christmas Party in December at the DBU. Please convey my deep appreciation and tell the donor that he or she has done a wonderful act of mercy and may God Bless you all. Warm regards Anthea
THE IRREPRESSIBLE ELMER DE HAAN CITIZEN OF WELLAWATTE. It is 30 years now since Elmer de Haan went to his eternal rest; time enough to pause and look back, albeit briefly, into the life of an unusual man well known in 20 th century Colombo. Elmer de Haan was a cynic, iconoclast and sceptic all rolled into one. His proud claim was that he came from the island state of Wellawatte and that claim, no doubt, left heads shaking sideways and eyes rolling upwards. De Haan, however, had a subtle point in his theory which, he thought, went right over the plebian heads of his detractors; those he considered as part of the City s hoi polloi. Wellawatte is an island, he would insist, bounded by the sea on one side and by the Dutch canal which wrapped round the suburb, giving it the insular and unique character that made it stand out from the surrounding suburbs of Colombo. Where in Ceylon, he would ask, do you find this unique mix of the rich, the middle class, the poor and the ethnic make up of Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Malays, Chinese and Muslims all living together as in a large happy family? Not anywhere in Ceylon he would say, not until the communal bogey was raised by politicians with their own agendas. Elmer de Haan lived down Sinsepa Road opposite the Savoy Cinema in Wellawatte. He was a familiar sight in the area, riding his bicycle with a little monkey perched on the handle bar. At times, the monkey would leap off the handle bar on to his shoulder as he cycled, distracting Elmer s eyes from oncoming traffic and causing motorists to brake or sound their horns for which Elmer would give the clenched right fist with upright middle finger salute, a rude gesture, the significance of which, fortunately for him, most did not understand in those days. He may well be the originator of digital abuse well known to motorists, cyclists and other road users across the world today. His bête noir was C V de Silva who built and owned the Savoy Cinema in Wellawatte and lived down a neighbouring street and who had a high regard for de Haan and his musical talent. De Haan, however, would never forgive him for building a cinema on what was previously a bare piece of land used as a ground for weekend cricket in which he too participated eagerly whenever he was not swimming out in the sea at Wellawatte. The Savoy Cinema opened in August 1949 with the premiere of THE JOLSON STORY and a rumour went round Colombo that it was sinking and in danger of collapse. There was no need to second guess that de Haan was the originator of the rumour. Former President, J R Jayawardena, who was a contemporary of de Haan at Royal College, was also at the receiving end of some stinging barbs from Elmer but was always gracious in the acknowledgement of his eccentric school mate. Wherever he saw J R he would run up to him and say Kohomada Dickie accompanied by a hearty slap on the back. J R, almost always, would reciprocate affectionately but, at times, wince with not a little embarrassment and that would make de Haan s day. Many of his peers in school and in the University regarded de Haan as gifted and extraordinarily talented. However, there was a little something within his persona that made him rebel and more often than not, to be confrontational, with those in authority. At Royal College, he roused the ire of Principal, H L Reid, by not rising from his chair when the national anthem God Save the King was played. When asked by the Principal why he showed disrespect to the anthem de Haan replied that he had nothing against the King being saved from any one. He only disliked the music! De Haan was given six strokes with the cane for his insolence. At the University, he incurred the wrath of Professor Marrs, an imperialist at heart, who he fuddled into believing that he was donating a contribution to the war effort on Armistice Day whereas de Haan, in reality, was collecting money for the Suriya Mal movement organized by the Lanka Sama Samaja Party which he supported. It was no great surprise that de Haan s career at the University ended not long after. He joined the Customs Department where he served for a brief period during which he vented his
feelings to all and sundry, protesting against the corruption that was rampant in the that Department. The Head of the Department, recognizing de Haan s well known talents in the field of music made the regrettable decision to seek his views on the music to be played at the opening of the Harbour Lights.Carnival organized to raise funds for the war effort. De Haan suggested that, if the Customs Department had anything to do with it, the most appropriate piece would be Hear the Robbers Passing By. That brought his career in government service to a premature end. However, Elmer settled in to a lifelong career as a music teacher. He spent most of his time practicing on the piano and became quite adept as a self-taught pianist. He earned a living by giving what were called euphemistically pianoforte lessons to selected pupils who he would choose with meticulous care. Those who he thought had no potential for professional advancement were rejected out of hand accompanied by a verbal blast that sent unsuspecting parents scampering for cover, for he was a master of the spoken word, especially unbridled invective. He specialized in vitriolic sarcasm which were the hallmarks of his reviews of piano recitals that he wrote for The Ceylon Observer and Times of Ceylon for many years. Born of Dutch-German ancestry, his line of descent began with the De Meuron Regiment in the 18 th century. His parents were god-fearing, law abiding folk but young Elmer turned his back on the Christian faith at the age of eleven and remained an agnostic until his death. He was stricken with cancer which proved to be terminal but, the undaunted de Haan, a realist to the end, invited all his friends to a banquet dinner at the Hotel Ceylon-Intercontinental a few weeks prior to his death as he wanted to make his farewells when he was alive. His friend, Amaradasa Fernando, who wrote a tribute to mark the 25 th anniversary of his death referred to the testament read at his graveside by Father Justin Perera which said, I die as I have lived an unbeliever, unrepentant. I have never worshipped at the gods of myth and legend created by the Graeco-Jewish priesthood. I want it emphatically stated that, since my eleventh year, I have followed the reasoning and arguments of rationalist teaching. An embarrassed Father Justin Perera had made it explicitly clear that he was only carrying out the last wishes of a dear friend and was seen making the sign of the cross and muttering under his breath, Forgive me Father. On June 19, 1979 Elmer de Haan was laid to rest dressed in a banian and pyjamas as decreed in his will. (This article was written by THE RAMBLER and is reproduced from THE CEYLANKAN of May 2009.) THE EDITOR AND HIS WIFE, JUNE, WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL THEIR READERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR 2010 What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us: What we have done for others, and the world, remains, and is immortal Albert Pike
The charming young lass, on the left, is fifteen year old CARRYL FERREIRA who is part of the Eighty Club s child sponsorship scheme. She plays the trumpet for her school band, loves cats and owns five of them. Also, she writes poetry and one of her efforts is reproduced below. It is interesting to note that her ambition is to become a nun. Carryl is sponsored by a member of the Eighty Club and, although her sponsorship fee does not come out of the Club s funds, the scheme, in its entirety, is run under the umbrella of the Club. Please do not be too judgmental when you read her magnum opus. What she wishes to say is not hard to determine. MY SELF I m addressed Carryl as my name Ferreira s the name for the family frame 15 years in this world I ve walked up. Negombo is the place where I was brought up. I m thin and tall, with hair so long, My feet are big and fair in skin, I like to wear denims and jeans And like to depend on my weird dreams. My family is of 7, with my mum and dad, Darryl is my sister and Roger is her man, Laurryl is my brother also known as Jerome, Gerald is the other, he is the third born. To be a nun is my ambition, To serve God is my one intension, I don t find it hard to communicate I believe I am well to associate. Animals are my passion, And sour fruits not to mention, I m happy and proud enjoying life, The youthfulness is well alive. CARRYL FERREIRA HAVE YOU SENT US YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FEE AS YET? IF NOT, PLEASE DO SO WITHOUT DELAY AND HELP US TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE DEPENDING ON US FOR THEIR DAILY BREAD. THE MEMBERSHIP FEE IS ONLY $30.00 FOR AN INDIVIDUAL OR A COUPLE. CHEQUES/MONEY ORDERS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE EIGHTY CLUB MELBOURNE, INC. AND POSTED TO P O BOX 2645, ROWVILLE, VIC 3178.
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